The Senate on this Tuesday passed without delay to a bill that will force the release of official records associated with the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, following a almost unanimous vote in the House of Representatives and a reversal by Donald Trump and his Republican allies. Trump's team relented after months of trying to block the joint action involving a scandal that has followed the president since his comeback to the White House.
Expedited Passage in Both Chambers
The Senate acted by consensus, which needs acceptance from each senator but avoids a formal roll call vote, accelerating the process. Just before, the House passed by a huge margin the bill on a 427-1 tally.
Citizens have waited long enough. Jeffrey Epstein’s victims have waited patiently,” the Senate Democratic leader said in a floor speech on Tuesday, before urging the chamber to pass it unanimously. “Let the truth come out. Allow openness to prevail.”
Presidential Signature
The bill next will be sent to the president for his signature. He signaled on Monday that he would endorse the legislation.
Even though Trump has for an extended period dismissed the outcry over the government’s handling of the Epstein case as a “false narrative”, he signalled his support for the House bill over the weekend, and stated he would give his assent if it reaches his desk.
Support and Opposition
Opposition lawmakers, along with survivors of Epstein and their advocates who were seated in a viewing area, cheered after the bill was passed. The only opposition came from a Louisiana Republican, who stated he was concerned the measure would make public identifying details of witnesses, those under scrutiny and others implicated in the investigation.
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